Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
TORONTO — The TSN CFL Fantasy game is easy for any fan to play, with just seven roster spots and a $40,000 salary cap.
However, success requires, at a bare minimum, knowledge of which star players are sitting due to injury. With such small rosters, a wasted spot on a player who isn’t in the lineup can be a devastating blow to your week’s score.
Meanwhile, the more dedicated Fantasy player will want to keep close tabs on who’s practising with the first-team offence. Practice reports can be the source of hidden gems that produce big numbers despite low ownership percentage, providing an edge over the rest of the field.
With that, CFL.ca breaks down some of the critical roster notes for each game.
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Ottawa at BC
Friday | 10:00 p.m. ET
Chris Rainey, RB, BC
Despite being listed on the roster, Chris Rainey ($6,682) is expected to sit this week in favour of Travon Van ($5,228). Rainey has served as the Lions’ primary returner and change-of-pace back throughout the season, but Wally Buono is clearly looking to create a spark for his team.
Emmanuel Arceneaux, WR, BC
Injured receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux ($5,650) believes he can return before season’s end, but won’t be available for a while after suffering a knee injury before the Lions’ bye week. Look for Ricky Collins ($4,131) and Kevin Elliott ($3,428) to draw more targets in Arceneaux’s absence.
Travon Van, RB, BC
Travon Van ($5,228) is taking Chris Rainey‘s spot as the Lions’ primary returner and change-of-pace back this week. Van has flashed his ability in the past and could see some targets in the receiving game as well for the shorthanded Lions.
Ricky Collins, WR, BC
The Lions will have receiver Ricky Collins ($4,131) back in the lineup this week after he missed time due to injury. Collins should see a boost in targets with Emmanuel Arceneaux ($5,650) sidelined for the foreseeable future. Collins could be a potential steal if he emerges as Lulay’s top option.
Anthony Parker, WR, BC
A week after signing, Anthony Parker ($2,500) could make his Lions debut this week. He’s listed behind Cory Watson ($2,500) on the depth chart and isn’t likely to make an impact on Friday night.
Dominique Rhymes, WR, OTT
The REDBLACKS are listing Dominique Rhymes ($2,581) as a backup this week, behind RJ Harris ($3,086) on the depth chart. Rhymes saw significant involvement for a couple of weeks in the REDBLACKS’ offence, but failed to make an impact in last week’s loss to Montreal. Best to avoid for now.
Hamilton at Toronto
Saturday | 1:00 p.m. ET
McLeod Bethel-Thompson, QB, TOR
The Argos will continue to lean on McLeod Bethel-Thompson ($6,694) in their Labour Day rematch with the Ticats, as Marc Trestman has announced he will not make a quarterback change. The 30-year-old has had his ups and downs this season but is a tough play against the league’s top-ranked passing defence.
James Franklin, QB , TOR
James Franklin ($7,315) remains the Argos’ backup quarterback in Week 13, although Head Coach Marc Trestman wouldn’t commit to anything beyond Saturday’s game vs. the Ticats. Surprisingly Franklin has been a steady contributor as a Fantasy quarterback thanks to his efforts in short-yardage, last week rushing for two touchdowns and adding another through the air, however he’s not a recommended play at this point.
Duron Carter, WR, TOR
Duron Carter ($3,777) is listed as a backup on the Argos’ depth chart for the second straight week. Marc Trestman has indicated he will play and could return kicks, though his involvement could be limited. Until he’s starting Carter is considered a risky Fantasy play.
Jalen Saunders, WR, HAM
The Ticats have lost Jalen Saunders ($7,214) for the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury in the Labour Day Classic. Tough blow for the Tabbies, with Saunders currently ranking sixth in the CFL with 739 yards. Luke Tasker ($6,789) and Terrence Toliver ($5,408) should see more targets in Saunders’ absence, with Mike Jones ($2,500) also entering the equation.
Rashad Lawrence, WR, HAM
With Saunders out, Rashad Lawrence ($2,500) is moving into a starting role for the Ticats. There’s upside here for adventurous Fantasy players, especially against an Argos team allowing the most yards per pass attempt in the CFL.
Bralon Addison, WR, HAM
Bralon Addison ($2,500) will make his Ticats debut on Saturday, drawing in as the primary return man and a backup receiver to Terrence Toliver.
Saskatchewan at Winnipeg
Saturday | 4:00 p.m. ET
Andrew Harris, RB, WPG
Despite missing practice on Wednesday, the Bombers expect Andrew Harris ($9,157) to play in Saturday’s Banjo Bowl against the Riders. If you do plan on playing Harris, make sure to keep an eye on Twitter for any late scratches. Harris had 103 yards in the first half alone vs. Saskatchewan, but will be in tough against the league’s second-ranked run defence.
Weston Dressler, WR, WPG
The Bombers will have to wait at least another week to get Weston Dressler ($4,661) back in their lineup. Dressler was activated from the six-game a couple of weeks ago, but has been removed from the team’s active roster for Saturday’s game. Corey Washington ($2,500) will continue to play in his place.
Timothy Flanders, RB, WPG
The Bombers have activated Timothy Flanders ($3,858) for Saturday’s game vs. the Riders. It could be an insurance policy in case Andrew Harris ($9,157) can’t play after missing practice on Wednesday. If Harris can’t go, Flanders would be an intriguing value pick, although the opponent isn’t ideal.
Corey Washington, WR, WPG
Corey Washington ($2,500) will get a second straight start for the Bombers as Weston Dressler ($4,661) remains sidelined. While Washington was targets often by Matt Nichols last weekend, the Bombers’ offence has struggled to produce over the last month or so.
Marcus Thigpen, RB, SSK
With Christion Jones ($3,151) sidelined, the Riders will hand over return duties to Marcus Thigpen ($6,006). Thigpen will also see time at running back, although he’ll share some of the load with Tre Mason ($3,727).
Christion Jones, RB, SSK
The Riders will be without returner Christion Jones ($3,151) against the Bombers on Saturday. It’s expected that Marcus Thigpen ($6,006) and Kyran Moore ($2,500) will carry some of the load in Jones’ absence.
Calgary at Edmonton
Monday | 7:00 p.m. ET
Kamar Jorden, WR, CGY
Kamar Jorden ($9,596) will miss the remainder of the 2018 season after injuring his knee in the Labour Day Classic. It’s a devastating blow for one of the league’s budding stars, who still ranks second in the league with 944 receiver yards and recently set a franchise record for single-game receiving yards.
Don Jackson, RB, CGY
The Stampeders will be without running back Don Jackson ($6,424) for Saturday’s rematch with Edmonton. While Jackson did practise this week, he was also spotted in a walking boot. Terry Williams ($4,420) and Romar Morris ($2,500) will play in Jackson’s place.
Terry Williams, RB, CGY
Terry Williams ($4,420) is getting the start at running back for the Stamps with Jackson sidelined. Williams will likely split the workload with Romar Morris ($2,500) and should handle returns as well.
Reginald Begelton, WR, CGY
Injuries to the Stamps’ receiving corps has opened up the door for Reggie Begelton ($2,610), who is back in the starting lineup. Begelton could be a go-to target for Bo Levi Mitchell behind top receiver DaVaris Daniels ($6,250).
Romar Morris, RB, CGY
He’s listed second behind Williams on the depth chart, but Romar Morris ($2,500) should see his share of touches against the Edmonton Eskimos in Week 13. The Stamps still need to run the football even with Jackson out.
Derel Walker, WR, EDM
The Esks have announced that Derel Walker ($8,537) will miss the next 6-8 weeks after suffering an injury in the Labour Day Classic. It was a tough weekend for receivers, but at least the injury isn’t as serious as initially feared. Walker is expected back at some point this season.
Bryant Mitchell, WR, EDM
With Walker sidelined, Bryant Mitchell ($4,216) is back in the lineup for the Eskimos in Week 13. Mitchell had 128 yards and a touchdown in his only start this year and has built strong chemistry with quarterback Mike Reilly ($14,000). This is his opportunity.
